Brothels struck down, citizens in economic strife, an absent Duke, and a young man sentenced to death on a mere technicality. This is the state of Vienna after Angelo took control in the Duke's absence. When Isabella, a young aspiring nun, is thrust into the fray to plead for her brother's life, Angelo's demeanor crumbles under his own feelings of lust. He fetishizes her virginity, he fantasizes of dances. He corners Isabella with a threat: surrender her virginity to him, or her brother dies, and that if she should ever accuse him, he will use his title to denounce her. The Duke, under the guise of a friar, exacts a complex plan to expose Angelo, and exploits Isabella and other townswomen to do so.